2 SC B4 HVDC and Power Electronics General Subject MatterLCC (Line Commutated Converters) - Conventional technology for HVDC transmission utilizing thyristors as the switching technology for rectifier and inverter operationVSC (Voltage Source Converters) – “Newer” Technology for HVDC conversion using IGBT switching technology. It is currently applied to schemes of less than 1400 MW. Technology is growing and its applications can include passive loads, wind and off shore oil rigs. Losses and IGBT rating are limiting factors that are gradually being overcome.FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) – Systems involving the controlled switching of capacitors and/or reactors to facilitate and stabilize increased power transmission. The elements may be series or shunt connected

3 SC B4 HVDC and Power ElectronicsMembership24 Regular Country Members (including Canada)6 Observer Country MembersCanadians On SC B418 Canadians are major contributors to the technical activities of the study committee5 Canadians serve as Conveners of Working/Advisory GroupSeveral additional expert supporting contributors on special subjects

5 SC B4 HVDC and Power Electronics Structure - Advisory GroupsAG 01 Strategic Advisory GroupEnsure all activities are appropriate and of sufficient priority and meet the needs of the industry and usersAG 02 DC Grid CoordinationCoordinate the work performed by the Working Groups studying the DC Grid issues.AG 03 Communication and WebsiteDevelop the new websiteAG 04 HVDC System Performance Gather and publish the performance data of current operating systems and maintain a compendium of worldwide systems

7 SC B4 HVDC and Power ElectronicsStructure – Working GroupsWG B4-53 Guidelines for Procurement and Testing of STATCOMsWG B4-54 Guidelines for Life Extension of Existing HVDC SchemesWG B4-55 HVDC Connection of Offshore Wind Power PlantsWG B4-56 Guidelines for Preparation of Connection Agreements or Grid Codes for HVDC Grids

8 SC B4 HVDC and Power ElectronicsStructure – Joint Working GroupsWG B4-57 Guide for the Development of Models for HVDC Converters in an HVDC GridWG B4-58 Devices for Load Flow Control and Methodologies for Direct Voltage Control in a Meshed HVDC GridWG B4-60 Designing HVDC Grids for Optimal Reliability and Availability PerformanceWG B4-61 General Guidelines for HVDC Electrode Design

9 SC B4 HVDC and Power ElectronicsStructure – Joint Working GroupsJWG B4/B5-59 Control and Protection of HVDC GridsJWG C4/C1/B4-604 Influence of Imbedded HVDC Transmission on System Security and AC Network Performance

11 B4 HVDC and Power Electronics Completed Joint Working GroupsJWG B4/B2/C3.50 Electric Field and Ion Current Environment of HVDC Overhead Transmission LinesJWG B5/B4.25 Impact of HVDC Stations on Protection of AC Systems

12 SC B4 HVDC and Power Electronics Structure – Proposed New Working Groups1) Recommended DC Voltages and Converter Topologies for HVDC Grids2) Connection of Wind Farms to Weak AC Networks3) Impact of AC System Characteristics on the Performance of HVDC Schemes4) Commissioning of VSC HVDC Schemes* Terms of Reference are under development for these proposed Working Groups and they will then be submitted to the Technical Committee for approval.